"How much did your bike cost?"

[maillotpois]

Has anyone who was clearly not a cyclist ever asked you that? How did you respond?

I ask because now I've been asked twice. The first time was maybe 5 years ago when I was on the tandem with my daughter. We'd ridden to the Golden Gate Bridge to watch the Blue Angels. A guy who was clearly not a cyclist asked me the question and I answered him honestly. We'd just gotten the tandem and I was painfully aware of what it cost. DH later chided me for telling him, saying people who didn't ride or weren't aware of the cost of bike stuff would think that was over the top.

This weekend a nice guy came up to me at the market where I was resupplying for my century ride. He said: "So how much did your bike cost?" Me: "Oh I don't know, it's old." Him: "What, like $600?" Me: "Maybe. I don't know. It's old."

I later thought that I could have said it was a gift (true), so therefore I didn't really have any idea how much it cost (not true).

How would you respond - or how have you responded - to such a question?

[salsabike]

I tell the truth, then give the person an idea of the full range of bike prices.

People have such different feelings about talking about cost. Some people feel strongly that it's all private. At least at the bike level, I personally don't care and have no problem telling people what my bike cost, just as I've never minded telling people my housing costs. I know others feel very differently.

[Pax]

I usually give either the MSRP or a range "quality road bikes can range from $400 to more than you paid for your car...this is a quality road bike". :D

[kelownagirl]

Has anyone who was clearly not a cyclist ever asked you that? How did you respond?

I ask because now I've been asked twice. The first time was maybe 5 years ago when I was on the tandem with my daughter. We'd ridden to the Golden Gate Bridge to watch the Blue Angels. A guy who was clearly not a cyclist asked me the question and I answered him honestly. We'd just gotten the tandem and I was painfully aware of what it cost. DH later chided me for telling him, saying people who didn't ride or weren't aware of the cost of bike stuff would think that was over the top.

This weekend a nice guy came up to me at the market where I was resupplying for my century ride. He said: "So how much did your bike cost?" Me: "Oh I don't know, it's old." Him: "What, like $600?" Me: "Maybe. I don't know. It's old."

I later thought that I could have said it was a gift (true), so therefore I didn't really have any idea how much it cost (not true).

How would you respond - or how have you responded - to such a question?

It depends on the person. If they have a nice bike, it doesn't bother me to tell them how much. If they're not a cyclist, they always gasp so sometimes I just say 'lots" and my health and fitness is worth it. Also, when someone implies that I spend too much on cycling, I ask them how much their TV cost. Most of them have those $3000-5000 big screen things. Mine is less than $400.

$3500 on a bike or $3500 on a TV. I mean really, there's no comparison.

[limewave]

It depends on who's asking.

I know people can scoff at how much is spent on a bike. If I get into a conversation with someone, I say that, in our family, we think it's important to invest in our health and our relationships. Cycling keeps us healthy and happy--it's an investment. We'd rather spend our money on bikes than on cable tv or a wii :)

Usually I can redirect the conversation by asking if they are interested in getting into cycling. And then I give generalizations about the price range on different bikes.

[limewave]

Most of them have those $3000-5000 big screen things. Mine is less than $400.

$3500 on a bike or $3500 on a TV. I mean really, there's no comparison.

:eek::eek::eek:$5,000 on a TV:eek::eek::eek: I can't even imagine. There's a small house I drive by everyday on my way home. I can always see what their watching because the TV is, literally, the entire size of one of the wall. It takes up the entire room. They have one couch squeezed in there with it. My eyes hurt just thinking about it.

Anyways, I could buy a couple of nice bikes for that much. Or one really nice bike for DH. If only I'd win the lottery . . .

[smilingcat]

I give them a price range from few hundred dollars to the top of the line race bike price. Reference top end bike would be Colnago equipped with Campy record. Today it would be few hundred dollars to about $8,000.

And if they are rude enough to ask how much for mine, I would tell them that they are being rude. People who are this nosey tend to get upset. But really, they are the ones who are being rude.

If on the other hand if they inquire more about why such a big difference in the price, I will stop, talk, and explain.

I do like the comparison to those awful big screen TV's costing $3-5,000.

smilingcat

[rij73]

Good thread! When I got my first bike last year (a hybrid) and told my mom that it was an inexpensive bike at $400 she almost had a heart attack! So, over the course of a couple of months I told her a lot of what I was learning about bikes and cycling. That way, a few months later when my husband and I invested in road bikes to the tune of $3700 and $1700, she wasn't toooooo shocked. :p

So far, only my family and cyclists have asked what my bike cost. In both cases I don't mind telling them. My family thinks I'm nuts (not just because of biking), but they can't deny that DH and I way healthier and happier than any of them. Oh, AND we have a $2000 TV which we love watching after a good bike ride. :D

OTOH, our car is worth about $1000 (and gets 40MPG highway), we live in a small apartment, and don't have any other extravagances (no nice furniture or kitchen stuff, etc.) It's all about priorities. Our first priority is health, our second is our movie and sports watching on tv. Other people are into having a nice car, furniture, art, big houses, whatever... Sometimes I explain it like that to my family and they seem to get it a little bit. They still think I'm nuts, though. ;)

[maillotpois]

I like the TV comparison - good idea.


Today it would be few hundred dollars to about $8,000.


Actually, while shopping online for a bike for my sis, we found the Ferrari Pinarello - $17,000. Act now, these things are going to fly off the shelves!! :D

[uforgot]

I usually reply "enough" because isn't it incredibly rude to ask how much something costs? I was raised that you NEVER ask that.

Was is Dear Abby who said..."I'll forgive you for asking if you forgive me for not answering."

End of lecture.

[Grog]

I think next time someone asks me I'll say: "Well, I don't have one, but I have heard that big-screen TVs go for about the same price as my bike."

:D

[farrellcollie]

I almost had a heart attack the first time I went bike shopping for a road bike when I saw the prices. I usually tell people about what my bike cost if they seem genuinely interested and I give them a range of what bikes can cost. I don't remember the exact price of my bike.

[KatyLady]

DH and I often think back and laugh about a time just over two years ago when we were in a LBS buying a couple of Trek 7300 hybrids. Being new to biking we thought we were splurging by buying such nice bikes. As we were making our purchase there was a lady in the shop spending around $1200 for a road bike. We were amazed that a lady who otherwise appeared to be sane would be spending so much money for a bicycle. :D

Wow!!! Have our standards ever changed since that day. Within three months we were riding new aluminum road bikes, which have since been replaced with custom steel (mine) and custom ti (his) road bikes with high end components. And the family grew again last week when we added a couple of touring bikes. (And I will admit to being intrigued by tandems.)

If anyone suggests we spend a lot on bicycling I quickly point out that I live a simple life style and probably spend no more on bicycles than most people do on green fees, wine, ball games, or whatever makes them happy. What I also think (but don't say out loud) is that "I'm 54 years old, I can afford a nice bike, so what difference does it make how much it cost." :)

[Beane]

my response would be, "why do you want to know?"

if they want to know because they like it (or just are interested) and want to buy one (whatever it is, bike or otherwise) fine, we can discuss the item and its merits, cost, etc. i would expect this would normally be a bike person and they would have some idea of bike prices. if they just want to talk about money and how much i do or don't have, well, that's not really something i'm comfortable discussing with strangers. you can usually tell when people are asking for this reason, but asking their motivation never hurts.

lately there has been so much bike theft that if a total stranger asked me that i would wonder if they were trying to case out whether they should steal my bike!

[spokewench]

I'll usually give them a range for different types of bikes and if they are really interested then, I will tell them what I paid for mine

I get a laugh right now - cause I have a scooter (chinese, used, 50cc) with a motor and everything that I paid $500 for and this is just a drop in the bucket when I compare it to the non-motorized road bikes/mountain bikes/ and even cross bike sitting in my garage!

spoke

[Hammer]

It is a touchy issue. Usually if a bike person is interested, they can and will find out for themselves. So, I will typically chat about the cost of an item. I may ballpark it with a non-cyclist or inquistivie family member.

It is too bad that my hobbies are a bit spendy. Fortunately my husband doesn't grimace too much, he understands the importance of buying good tools and not wasting money on something that won't do the job. On the other hand, he makes me really think about whether I truly NEED the next bicycle purchase. We're still working on establishing our home and working toward starting a family.

My other hobby is photography. Talk about another thing that inspires equipment envy among observers... "How much did THAT cost?" :D I really should try to make money with that hobby so that I can support my riding hobby.

[Flybye]

I just tell them. It's not some kind of secret - they can walk into a bike shop and find out. I don't find it rude, either. What they do with the answer isn't up to me!

What it is worth and what I paid for it are two different answers altogether.

[denda]

I have never had anyone ask, but I wouldn't mind telling them.

[GLC1968]

Depends on what bike I am riding and who's asking (and the situation). If it's my mixte 'around town' bike, I tell the truth, no matter who it is. $80. If it's someone who seems to be interested in buying bikes (and asking "why do you want to know?" is a great idea!), then I might tell the truth if I'm on one of the other bikes. If it's someone I work with, I'll tell the truth. I often get a "well, you guys both work and you don't have kids, right?" as a way that they can justify it for themselves...which I find pretty funny!

If it's some random guy at a gas-station and I'm alone? I say it was a gift, and I don't really know. I often joke and say "way less than your car!" or something like that, too. Or I'll say "not much, I bought it used and it's 3 or 4 years old" or something.

I don't really feel like people are being rude, though. Anyone can find out the price of bikes if they want to...asking me is just a short cut.

[SadieKate]

my response would be, "why do you want to know?"

if they want to know because they like it (or just are interested) and want to buy one (whatever it is, bike or otherwise) fine, we can discuss the item and its merits, cost, etc. i would expect this would normally be a bike person and they would have some idea of bike prices. if they just want to talk about money and how much i do or don't have, well, that's not really something i'm comfortable discussing with strangers. you can usually tell when people are asking for this reason, but asking their motivation never hurts.This is my approach. I ask why and then if they say they want to get into cycling I find out what kind. Give them a starting cost for a decent bike for the purpose and suggest an LBS that I think can help them. Gives me an avenue to direct them to resources including clubs.

Some folks just seem to be fascinated with what people spend on bikes and either try to play one-ups-manship or want to imply you're a fool for "wasting" money. I refuse to engage in that kind of conversation. It doesn't matter if they don't think they're being rude. In our culture it is rude unless I've hired the person as my financial adviser.

[amy]

I used to be shy about the cost of my bike. I was brand new to cycling and kind of felt like I had no business riding a carbon fiber Madone, so I didn't really want people to know how much I spent. I guess it was probably more personal judgment... like had I just wasted thousands of dollars on a bike I might not ride?

Now that I'm absolutely in love with my bike and love being on it... ask away. I spent a lot, but actually saved $1000 off MSRP because it was the last 2007 available in the US before the redesign. I like to brag about that... haha

[sundial]

The park ranger once asked me about my mtb. And because he was very diplomatic and apologized in advance for asking the question, I was happy to share the value of a really nice mtb. :)

Other people have wanted to know for less than noble reasons and those questions are often redirected. ;)

[Trek420]

:eek::eek::eek:$5,000 on a TV:eek::eek::eek: I can't even imagine. . . .

That's what my road bike cost :D I seem to remember $5,101 with tax.

But then my mixte I found in the dump. My LBS says I am singlehandedly lowering the average cost of his clients bikes ;) :rolleyes: with my dumpster mixte, 10+ y/o commuter-mobile, thrift-store Giant ...

I don't discuss what my bikes cost unless on TE :rolleyes:

Other day on the train a cyclist but kinda an invisible kind was asking me how much my bike cost, what the wheels cost "I like your wheels!" (well, getcher own Mavic's thank you), what kind of bike etc.

People are curious because the powder-coated commuter has no decals.

He insisted on a price and I gave him the party line "ranges from" line. I just do not feel comfortable talking price in public. If you ride .... you know, if you ride you know underneath the paint it's a cheap old GT Outpost trail!! .... if you don't I'll help you find your bike but give no info on mine.

I admit this sounds a little paranoid but I've had one bike stollen :mad:

[sundial]

....a cyclist but kinda an invisible kind was asking ....what the wheels cost.....

Oh gosh, I just remembered. Hubby mentioned the Mavics he bought for his zippy bike and his tightwad friend started grilling him about why he even needed those, is it worth the cost, how will it improve the performance.....:rolleyes:

[Andrea]

It's not considered kosher to say what cost is from sponsors, so when another cyclist asks, I tell them what the retail cost would be.

[kie_fujo]

i tell them. although, i guess my $1200 is mid range so it doesn't bother me. if they look at me like i'm crazy i tell them i got it cause i couldn't afford the $3000+ de rosa i really wanted. most people are just curious and i don't mind filling them in. it's kinda like me being vegetarian. if they ask, i answer. now if i was out riding and someone asked me that might be different. i might be worried they are looking to take it from me. have never had that happen though.

[Kano]

I used to be shy about the cost of my bike. I was brand new to cycling and kind of felt like I had no business riding a carbon fiber Madone, so I didn't really want people to know how much I spent. I guess it was probably more personal judgment... like had I just wasted thousands of dollars on a bike I might not ride?

Now that I'm absolutely in love with my bike and love being on it... ask away. I spent a lot, but actually saved $1000 off MSRP because it was the last 2007 available in the US before the redesign. I like to brag about that... haha


Amy -- your post sounds just like what I would write about my Specialized Roubaix! It's my first road bike too, and yeah, carbon fiber seemed mighty fancy for a first road bike for a 220# 49 year old couch potato. But, like you, I saved a bundle buying "last year's model" and actually paid about what I had budgeted for a bike in the first place.

Karen in Boise

[KSH]

If it's someone who rides and is in the market for a new bike, I'm pretty honest and tell them what it cost.

If it's someone who doesn't ride and is curious. I just say, "it was pretty expensive". And then they can guess if they want, and I'll say higher or lower. It ends there.

I'm not really offended by money talk like other people can be... so it doesn't phase me when they ask.

[SouthernBelle]

I'll usually ask them to guess first. I love the range of answers. & since my bike is an '05, prices have, and are contiuning to go up.

[shootingstar]

If the person is someone I know, I will give them the cost..and add I have 2 other bikes also.

Being car-free for so many years, it's VERY easy for me to justify the cost of my bike(s) against the cost of owning and using a car even for half a year. Or tell people that the I prefer to cycling outdoors vs. plunking down annual membership fee at a fitness club.

[hawkeyerider]

Being car-free for so many years, it's VERY easy for me to justify the cost of my bike(s) against the cost of owning and using a car even for half a year. Or tell people that the I prefer to cycling outdoors vs. plunking down annual membership fee at a fitness club.

Exactly. I've had my $580 commuter bike for only a couple months (and love it!). When I purchased it I canceled my monthly parking contract since I am now riding to work ($123/mo.), am saving money on gas driving to work and groceries, etc. and canceled my gym membership ($55/mo.). My bike will probably be paid for by the end of this riding season. I wouldn't mind telling people how much it is but would maybe be more hesitant if I had a higher-end bike.

[melissad]

It's so funny this I saw this thread today. Over the weekend my mom was telling me that my parents went to a dinner party with their neighbors and somehow got on the topic of how I just started riding. Turns out, my dad told them all how much I paid for my bike and the brand of bike I have. Of course I was embarrassed because 1) I wasn't even there and 2) most people who aren't involved in cycling may think it's too much to spend on a bike (my parents are in this category). Luckily, one of their neighbors is a cyclist and has heard of my bike so he knew what a great deal we got on it :D

I'm with the majority of the people above...I'm uncomfortable telling the price unless they are truly interested in buying one for themselves. I felt weird telling my parents but I did and then look what happened!

[rij73]

It's so funny this I saw this thread today. Over the weekend my mom was telling me that my parents went to a dinner party with their neighbors and somehow got on the topic of how I just started riding. Turns out, my dad told them all how much I paid for my bike and the brand of bike I have.

My mother has done this... "I told my neighbor you spent $2000 on a bicycle! You should have seen the look on her face! Ha Ha Ha! Now she thinks your nuts too." :rolleyes:

Luckily after years of therapy and maturing, my mom's antics don't bug me in the least anymore.

[gnat23]

"It cost... lots."

Depending on the knowledge level of the person asking, they come up with their own number. Those without much experience guess about $500. The more seasoned folks see the Dura-Ace logos and make up a much higher number. :)

I was also amused when a coworker picked up my bike to see if it was as light as I said it was. They asked if I had paid full-price for the bike, since obviously they hadn't given me the entire bike.

-- gnat! "What is this, price is right? How much bike do YOU want to pay for?"

[kelownagirl]

Dh and I just bought new bikes to the tune of about $8000. I decided we'd better get a rider on our house insurance to cover it. The rider was going to cost $800 a year. :eek::eek::eek: Needless to say we changed companies and now have a no-limit policy. Anyway - I have told a few people what the extra insurance would be - they must really wonder what the bikes are worth! :D

[snapdragen]

My best friend's son plays guitar, we were at Guitar Center to pick up his new amp. She showed me the sales receipt, expecting me to be shocked at what it cost. I looked at it and remarked "oh, that's what I paid for my bike!" :D So now she thinks both I and her son are crazy.

[MomOnBike]

Well, I ride a faired recumbent. It's a fairly unique rig, so I'm used to people coming up and asking all sorts of questions. ("Is it easy to ride? Comfy? Fast?" Wow!)

As for them asking the price, that's just part of the interrogation. I tell them that with diligence I've just about gotten the bike up to $3,000. If pressed, I tell them that it's cheaper than a heart attack. Both statements are true, BTW.

I think I'll soon add that the bike cost less than the gas I would have blown driving a car, but only in commuter-type situations.

I don't really mind questions about my bike. It's just a part of riding a 'bent.

[martinkap]

Well, I ride custom build fixie with Bianchi steel frame which was sold only in Europe 30 years ago. Cost me $500 initially. Since then, I bought fenders, dropdowns, new levers, new chain, new sprockets, several sets of tires etc.

It is funny that the ones who understand bikes usually ask me only if I build the bike myself or how did I get the frame. The ones who don't know anything about bikes, asks about price. People on Manhattan are all about money.

If I don't know them and I don't care about them, I usually say 1200 dollars. Why not? It is probably good estimate of how much money I put into cycling so far. And I am proud of it. Without hesitation I will tell them large sum for what seems to be a beat up bike without gears, because I earned the money by my hard work. I am single, live on Manhattan, and yes, I can afford what I want. Why to be secretive about something I deserve and earned. Thus, if they are rude enough about the price, I make sure to make them feel poor. They deserve it.

[Blueberry]

I don't really mind questions about my bike. It's just a part of riding a 'bent.

Ditto that with a Bike Friday (though sometimes the questions are a little inconvenient and/or intrusive...).

CA

[maillotpois]

Dh and I just bought new bikes to the tune of about $8000. I decided we'd better get a rider on our house insurance to cover it. The rider was going to cost $800 a year. :eek::eek::eek: Needless to say we changed companies and now have a no-limit policy. Anyway - I have told a few people what the extra insurance would be - they must really wonder what the bikes are worth! :D

I handled a claim for an insurance company client where there had been (allegedly) stolen bikes. The insureds who had the bikes stolen claimed the replacement value as if each component of the bike had to be purchased separately (right shifter, left shifter, cables, crank, wheel 1, wheel 2, etc.) They had the wrong attorney on the file to pull that sort of thing. :cool: I explained to the carrier that it was the equivalent of valuing a car as if you had to build it piece by piece. These may have been $4000 bikes, but they sure weren't $10,000 bikes. :eek:

[Skierchickie]

I don't like to talk about how much I spent on ANYTHING. I have a couple of friends who (in my opinion) are very nosy and always ask how much stuff cost (and then tell other people). I always fumble my way around the question, and then come up with a snappy response later. I was raised to not talk about such things (including how much money a person makes). One of these friends is always telling me how much he spends on stuff, in a show-offy kind of way (drives me nuts :mad:).

I did run into this question several times over the weekend, since I just bought a new bike Thursday, and Saturday I was hanging around at a local tri that DH was doing. At least those were all bikers, mostly with at least comparable-value bikes. I still weaseled my way out of a direct answer, but some of them got enough info to do the math. Mainly, I pointed out what a great deal I got, and what a great value it was compared to the equivalent bike I always though would be my next.

The first person who asked, though, was one of the college students at work. He asked point-blank. That always startles me. So when he immediately rephrased it as "Can I ask how much it cost?", I grabbed the opportunity to say "Sure, you can ask, buuuuut...." And then said I got a great deal. This kid would think nothing of spending much more on snowmobiles & ATVs & dirt bikes & jet skis (as would a lot of the people in this area), so I guess I should keep that in mind. It boggles my mind how much people spend on motorized toys, but then I've never been into those. Whenever I look at the thousands of dollars worth of bikes and skis in the garage, I tell myself that it is still way cheaper than some of the toys people have.

MomonBike: I love the "cheaper than a heart attack" line! :cool: I'll have to remember that one!

[makbike]

I tell them my favorite bike (Univega Grand Turismo purchased in 1986) cost me $230 and I think I've gotten my moneys worth out of it. I tell them my 2007 LeMond Buenos Aires WSD was a lot more.

I had lunch with my best friend today and somehow the topic of bicycles came up in our conversation. I told her my new bike ran me around $2000 and the look on her face was priceless. She simply could not believe I spent that kind of cash on a toy. I smiled and told her it was worth every penny. I also told her that was why it took me so long to decide to purchase a new bike - sticker shock is alive and real in the cycling world.

[Trek420]

Oh gosh, I just remembered. Hubby mentioned the Mavics he bought for his zippy bike and his tightwad friend started grilling him about why he even needed those, is it worth the cost, how will it improve the performance.....:rolleyes:

Yes, they're worth it! :D My crossride rims were a 50th b'day present from Mom, sis (thanks Duck on Wheels) and my LBS. :D Thanks Duck!

I like them so much I painted the bike to match the logo :rolleyes:

On commute inquiries part of that is my 'hood is not the safest in the Bay Area. I love it here, the diversity, the scenery, the greenery, the food and it's handy to everything but .... it can be a little dicey and I work in Oakland so you never know why they are asking.

In general I try to be helpful with questions to the extent I can and not be late for work :cool: one guy asked "how much does it cost for a bike no decals? What brand is it?"

I told him to go to my LBS, gave him the name and ask about powdercoating his bike.

But people who ride just know! One of the guys working on my condo saw it and "oh, that's a GT Outpost trail!" If you ride you know this stuff.

[Trekhawk]

If pressed, I tell them that it's cheaper than a heart attack.

LOL - I love that statement too. Must remember that one.
I have a friend who plays golf and who I know has spent a fortune on golf clubs, club membership etc who was shocked by how much my bikes cost. When I mentioned that he spent a fair bit on his beloved golf he said but its just a bike. Hmm I guess for some people bikes will always be things for kids so they can not fathom an adult spending a fair bit of money on one.

[crazybikinchic]

I am usually an "enough" answer. I was thinking about this this weekend, I have about 4500 miles on my $2000 bicycle. When you look at cost per mile, it really isn't that much, especially when you consider that I will be riding it at least another year before I replace it.

[NbyNW]

I don't like talking about what my bikes cost because I'm just a year out of grad school and I don't like when people make assumptions about my financial situation based on what I'm riding or driving or what my DH makes. That leads to them making assumptions about whether I need to work at all, which I do, and it's quite annoying.

If they are asking about my Dahon, I tell them what it retails for, and if it seems that they're really interested in the bike, I'll use it as a segue for for how I have a friend at the company and that I like that the company is dedicated to promoting folding bikes as _part_ of the solution to making transit multi-modal, and that they have a whole range of bikes at various prices that are geared toward different types of riders/functions.

If they ask about my Rodriguez, I tell them that my insurance policy picked up about 2/3 of the cost, which is true. Rodriguez is pretty well known locally so we usually skip the "how much did it cost" part and go straight to the "how can you afford this" part. Which is odd, because as others have mentioned, there are FAR more expensive bikes out there. Rodriguez bikes are actually quite reasonable, given the challenge of finding a good fit for someone who is barely 5'1"

If people want to make judgments about me based on what I spend on my bikes, I tell them that as a petite person, I REALLY don't have a lot of options. I've since learned about a few more since joining this board (Surly LHT! Coveting it!), but I also don't need another bike right now.

My theft-proof GT Rebound (Doesn't matter what it cost, 'cuz I'm sure I can't pay anyone to take it off my hands, which is fine, because it is dearly loved) is crying out for some TLC.

[BarbaraAlys]

I don't mind telling people what my bike cost if it is a friend, but why answer that to a stranger? I'm not sure a stranger has ever asked me, though.

A couple of months ago I was over extended and declined going out to dinner with a friend. I found out later that a mutual friend, on hearing about that, said "what is she doing spending $3000 on a bike if she is so broke"...that really tee'd me off! One, I didn't spend $3000 on a bike. Two, I'm single, no kids, living on my own and paying my own bills....what buisness is it of hers if I spend all my money on a bike?! Really, it still angers me...

Barbara

[melissad]

...what buisness is it of hers if I spend all my money on a bike?! Really, it still angers me...
Barbara

I agree Barbara, that would make me mad as well! It's completely rude anytime someone makes a judgment on someone else's financial situation. Besides, financial situations can completely change in a matter of days...

[dachshund]

I still feel that "how much did you pay for..." is not a question I have to answer. I try to be vague and give a range, like "you can pay anywhere from $x to $y depending on what components you want."

[Bluetree]

Has anyone who was clearly not a cyclist ever asked you that? How did you respond?


I get asked that fairly frequently. Depending on which bike I'm on, I'll answer "About 4" or "About 6". They always ask, "...hundred?" at which point I just smile, wink and ride away.

Oh, and I get asked a lot if I'm a pro, which cracks me up to no end. I'm a middle-aged lady! :p

[lph]

I love answering that question, 'cos my three bikes were all bought used or at a clearing sale. People are usually assuming I ride really expensive bikes because I ride so much, so I jump at the opportunity to tell them how you can buy a really decent bike that lasts for years with just a little more cash than most people would give for a clunker, if you shop wisely.

I don't tell them that I've paid for them several times over in parts... ;)

If I had a high-end bike that I didn't want to defend all the time I'd like to answer "Oh, it cost me x days/weeks/months wages", and leave them wondering. It's still considered rude to ask point-blank how much someone earns, I think :D

[tulip]

I get that question alot with my Bike Friday. I tell the inquisitors, "Bike Fridays come in a variety of models at a variety of prices. It depends on what you want in a bike." They usually don't pursue the line of questioning any further. If they do, something like, "Oh, I had to save up for it" satisfies them that yes, it costs probably more than they want to spend, but also indicates that I don't just spend wildly, which is really what they want to know anyways. People are so sneaky and wiley.

When I commuted to work, I would get that question, and the "alot less than a car" response shut them up really fast.

[cyclingmama]

A couple of months ago I was over extended and declined going out to dinner with a friend. I found out later that a mutual friend, on hearing about that, said "what is she doing spending $3000 on a bike if she is so broke"...that really tee'd me off! Barbara

I'd be seriously PO'd at that one, too! Maybe it means you're a financially savvy person, who knows to skip an evening out when things are tight so that you WILL be in a position to be able to make the big purchases that are important to you, like a good bike.

I've never really run into questions about the price of my bike (probably b/c I don't have a really expensive bike). I did have a co-worker ask me recently what I had paid for mine, but I also knew he was considering buying a bike for around-town errands and such. So I re-directed, with a "well, my road bike was a lot [it wasn't, but in comparison to what I am sure he was expecting to spend it would have seemed like a lot to him], but you can get a nice comfort hybrid in the $250-300 range" and from there we talked a bit about different kinds of bikes and the purposes that would suit, etc.

Why IS it that people do not flinch at spending thousands on a television, yet scoff at spending the same or less on a bike? It baffles me, how warped our priorities have become as a society. :confused:

[short cut sally]

I went into a small business the other day to get something, I know enough of the staff to make small conversations. I rode my bike there, and they asked why was I wearing soccer cleats. No, sorry, bike shoes. They make bike shoes? Yep! We never knew there were special shoes for bikes. Explained the shoe/pedal/clip theory. WHen I got ready to leave, one of the ladies said, I gotta go and check this out. So she came out, showed her the whole thing on how it works. She asked me the price of what things cost. I replied, this is my stress release. I ride early in the mornings, hear the birds, see wildlife, and smell the air. To me this is cheaper than a shrink and sedating medications to keep me from choking my fellow co-workers, so this to me is priceless. She looked at me rather funny, then showed her how my shoe clipped in and told her to enjoy her day and off I went.
As a general rule, if I know the person, I tell them oh the bike price for this model starts at 1,200 give or take, but I got mine on sale. The jaws are usually dropped enough at this comment, I get to tell them, that doesn't include pedals, saddle, or the upgrade in tires!;)

[Skierchickie]

I rode my new bike to work today, so it was sitting in my office all day. Several people looked at it (I used my brand new bike as a excuse to get out of a golf scramble/drinking fest on Friday, so they knew about it). One guy kept throwing out numbers, just to get to me. Another one came in, hefted it, and said "$xxxx". He was exactly right. :rolleyes: Other than with him, I'm continuing to use my "a lot less than list price" line. For the most part, my coworkers (being engineers & mechanics & other mechanically-inclined men) are more interested in the construction than the cost (comments like "they didn't give you all your spokes", "must be expensive if the seat has the name phonetically spelled right on top", "don't let it get hit by a rock (the carbon fiber frame)"), but they do ask.

[Sgritn]

I'm a new biker so yes..I talk about my $300.00 bike at work..some thinking of making a purchase think they can buy a bike for $100.00, told them no..that was when you were a kid. The gasps:eek: could be heard around the world when I told them about the $8,000 bike I saw at the shop...they could not understand it. I wasted my time telling them the weight difference, construction and how it was not for the average biker--they do not understand.

[elk]

I usually reply "enough" because isn't it incredibly rude to ask how much something costs? I was raised that you NEVER ask that.

Was is Dear Abby who said..."I'll forgive you for asking if you forgive me for not answering."

End of lecture.

"None of your Business, Mr Nosey Parker" or "priceless"

[snapdragen]

One meelion dollars. :D

[Trek420]

The gasps:eek: could be heard around the world when I told them about the $8,000 bike I saw at the shop...they could not understand it.

They would get it that there's a $15,000 car and $150,000 car, right? I don't know what golf clubs cost but I bet Tiger Woods has clubs you can't get at Target there's more or less expensive anything.

A coworker told me about forgetting a handbag on a plane with ..... 2K worth of makeup. 2 grand, in a handbag, makeup :eek: :confused: I don't understand, chapstick and sunscreen, that's it for me.

[PinkBike]

. . . comments like "they didn't give you all your spokes".

HA i've heard that one too.
OR how about "with the amount you paid for this bike they could at least give you a kickstand."

[sheri]

I get that question all the time. I hate it and a lot of the posts here ring true with me. Sometimes I feel like a total poser who doesn't deserve a bike as nice as mine. The question also embarrasses me because I'm conservative with money and even though I can afford it, I wonder if people see it as being wasteful. But it's for a healthy endeavor and I'm on the thing three times a week.

I got the question again from a friend last week because I just bought a mountain bike. First question? How much did it cost? I answered just like always (and tried to not be irritated but I was). More than I planned!

Sheri

[violette]

I tell them: "less than smoking"...

[Crankin]

I rarely get asked that question, one, because my friends know better, and two, people know that this is how I choose to spend my money. But last week, at the B and B we stayed at, the owner asked my husband how much our bikes cost. My husband was truthful in his reply, but he also added that you can get a really nice road bike for 2K and a good entry level one for $800.00. That was the end of it, I think because the person asking is familiar with what people spend on power boats and golf clubs. I think if you can relate the cost of the bike with the cost of something familiar, it's good.One of the few times I was asked about the cost of my bike, I just laughed and said " a lot."
I don't think people should make assumptions about how much others spend. It's personal. I relate to the person who said that some question whether she really needs to work, like that's anyone's business. When I go back to grad school in a few weeks, I hope none of the other students make assumptions about me because of my stuff. I worked for 30 years, can finally afford to do what I want (within reason) and if I want to change careers or spend x amount of dollars on a bike, it's my business.

[lovelylibrarian]

I usually reply "enough" because isn't it incredibly rude to ask how much something costs? I was raised that you NEVER ask that.

Was is Dear Abby who said..."I'll forgive you for asking if you forgive me for not answering."

End of lecture.

I know. I was raised the same way and it always shocks me when someone asks how much I pay for rent or I overhear someone asking how much another person paid for their house. UGH. I would never!

[grey]

For me it really matters who is asking. I don't mind telling people what we paid for our house, or our cars, or how much our last vacation cost. I try not to look at finances as being so personal. Houses, sometimes, people are just trying to gage what your neighborhood is worth. If someone wants to judge me because of where I live or how little my house cost, that's OK. My goal isn't to have the best, but to have enough (though I do mind if someone wants to know the cc balance or how much cash is in the bank. Not that our balance is super high or the money in the bank is too much or too little, but because it's none of anyone's business).

But, I also wouldn't just tell anyone about the bike cost. A friend, yes. Someone interested in getting into riding, sure. Some of my family? I'd have to put it into perspective for them, like the TV thing or explain how much time I spend in the saddle a week. My grandma would never understand it (golly, I can hear her now!), and I'm not sure my parents would either.

[smurfalicious]

Wasn't there a thread like this a long while back? Didn't someone have a witty retort along the lines of "less than a triple bypass?"

[Tokie]

DH and I did a credit card tour in Alaska on our Santana tandem. People would pull up next to us at stop signs and ask "how much does a bike like that cost?" (this was 20 yrs ago) When I told them 1500$, they were actually soooo disappointed! So the next time someone asked us, I just said 500$. Then they said "cool!" and drove off with a smile. That answer worked well for the Alaska tour! When people ask me now, I tell them how much my snazzy little Ruby costs with no shame. When they are shocked, I add - well, I ride it about 120 to 180 miles a week (which is usually a jaw dropper) and I'm on it actually more than I drive my car. That usually shuts them right up. Then more than one person has said "well, if you're on your bike that much, it must be important for it to be comfortable" . But the people who ask are inevitably non-athletic slobs er I mean types, not slobs! Tokie

[Dianyla]

I tell them the truth: "I paid more for my bike than for my car." :rolleyes:

(Granted, my car was a gift from my sister. But the bike was still worth more than the blue-book for my car at the time.)

[MtnBikerChk]

Kind of related - speaking about people who don't know what bikes cost:

My cousin had a carbon fiber louis garneau rodie. She went to Tahoe for the TNT - well long story short, she filled out the insurance paperwork for FedEx and L&L didn't file it. Her frame came back cracked and the wheels trashed. They gave her and her shop SUCH a hard time and took almost 8 weeks to remiburse her for it. Her shop was on a conference call with the bean counters at L&L and one guy said to him "I ride a hybrid bike so I know about bikes. How could hers possibly be worth $3k?"

:eek:

For me, I don't tell. Which usually makes people want to guess. :cool:

[Aggie_Ama]

I got asked this when I brought my husband's bike into my office (I was dropping at the LBS by me). One of the managers would not stop fidgeting with it, he seriously tried to get on it! He asked how much one like that was (DH's was about $2800). I said "More than my first car (true) and enough that I am not comfortable with you playing with it".

He scoffed but I know him from my previous life as a bowler and bowling balls can run $300/ea. Most competitive bowlers have 6+ balls and get a couple new ones a year. My second reply was "that one has lasted longer than the car or any bowling ball I ever owned. And I spent more in 4 years bowling than I have in the 4 years cycling." I actually bowled for 15 years and don't want to think about the number of bowling balls I owned or how much I spent on league, tournaments and practice. Other than a couple hundred in maintenance a year my bike can be free to use. I can ride many rides from my house, so I don't even have to drive. There was no free bowling. ;)

I did tell one co-worker exactly how much my commuter, roadie and mountain cost. I also told him you could find a good quality bike for less and it would last a long time.

[Jiffer]

I was just asked this a couple of weeks ago for the first time. Obviously not a cyclist asking and it did feel a little weird. My friend and I were together and she wasn't responding, so I did. My bike isn't easy to explain the price of, so I explained how all the "parts" on the bike came from my husband's old bike and when he was ready to buy an even better bike, he bought me a frame and had the parts put on it. If I had bought the bike retail all put together, it would have been around $4,000 (Dura-Ace components, etc.), but we saved a lot on the frame because our LBS guy sort of decided dh was on the Cannondale team, so he got the Cannondale team price. :) And the parts were all bought separately, a little at a time, while dh upgraded his first bike over the course of a year.

And then he asked about my friend's bike and I looked at her and said, "What, about $2,000 or $2,500?" She said $2,500.

After we left I thought maybe I should have simply said "a lot" and left it at that. I did say that, actually, but the guy pressed for more. I'm not sure if my friend was irritated or not. I shouldn't have answered for her. I don't really care if the guy wants to know how much my bike is, except for the fact that we did recently have a burglary at our house, so I really shouldn't be going around telling people how much money I have sitting in my garage. However, luckily, the burglars left all our high end bikes. Police said they'd be too easy to trace I guess. The bad guys also probably didn't have enough room in the back of my Jeep Cherokee they stole to PUT the bikes along with the big screen TV and everything else!!!

[SadieKate]

. . . . except for the fact that we did recently have a burglary at our house, so I really shouldn't be going around telling people how much money I have sitting in my garage. However, luckily, the burglars left all our high end bikes. Police said they'd be too easy to trace I guess. The police are dead wrong. We lost high end bikes that could not be found and the police suspected it was a planned hit. The burglar probably knew what was in the garage as they parked inside while they "shopped" and took a custom tandem that wouldn't fit the average couple.

You need to lock your bikes even inside the garage.

Another reason I don't discuss the cost of my bikes with strangers.

[Yen]

As others have said, it depends on whether the person is a cyclist and what kind of bike they ride -- and, what toys they might own.

I might say "It cost a lot.". If they press, and drive an SUV, I'd say "Less than a year's worth of gas in your SUV, and let me tell you about the immeasurable health benefits I get in return...."

If a certain someone (a non-cyclist who just wants to know how much money we spend) asks how much my Sidi's cost, I'm ready to say "Much less than just 1 payment on your new luxury SUV." :D

[7rider]

I might say "It cost a lot.". If they press, and drive an SUV, I'd say "Less than a year's worth of gas in your SUV, and let me tell you about the immeasurable health benefits I get in return...."

If a certain someone (a non-cyclist who just wants to know how much money we spend) asks how much my Sidi's cost, I'm ready to say "Much less than just 1 payment on your new luxury SUV." :D

Why pick on SUVs? Why not "As much gas as it takes to run your soccer-mom mobile, or as much as a payment on that mininvan."?? Or..."As much as that loud-stinkin-tire-squealing sports car you got there."
Oh wait....it's only p.c. to pick on SUV drivers. Got it. :rolleyes:

[salsabike]

Actually, why pick on anything? The wide-screen TV comments bothered me a little, and no, I don't have one. But my neighbor, a great guy who works his butt off on the graveyard shift, does. So what? More power to him if that's what he wants to do with his hard-earned bucks. He also got himself a relatively inexpensive bike lately and brought it over to show us--very pleased, he was, and went off for a ride around the neighborhood with his daughter.

I don't feel any need to defend the cost of my bike to others, and I don't see any reason to put down whatever they're doing with their money, either. Just like to go my own way and do my own stuff, and let others do the same.

Also, for someone like me who grew up on sci fi and would love to meet people from other worlds, I consider my neighbor's TV a major asset. I'm sure it will attract aliens since I am convinced you can see his TV from space. :)

[Smilie]

Doesn't bother me when people ask me how much anything cost. If they want to 'judge' me or my things, that is their choice. Doesn't affect me, as I don't give a rat's behiney what they think. :D

I for one, am interested in how much new and used bikes cost and all that goes into them. I want to know what I should expect to pay for these things. I am not judging people, I am geniunely interested.

What people do with their money is their choice. I may not choose to spend my money as they do, but that is okay as that is my choice. No judgements here, and for those that like to judge, well have fun. Doesn't affect me!

[SadieKate]

Also, for someone like me who grew up on sci fi and would love to meet people from other worlds, I consider my neighbor's TV a major asset. I'm sure it will attract aliens since I am convinced you can see his TV from space. :)At last I know! Attracted by their TV, aliens invaded my parents' bodies.

[TrekTheKaty]

The same thing you do when someone asks how much you weigh or how old you are--LIE! My sister is antique dealer--the side perk is she never has to pay retail for anything. They pick up everything they could possibly need while they are at estate sales--their bikes, soap, clothes (new designer labels, with tags still attached), lawn mowers, kitchen appliances. So when my husband and I took up cycling again last summer we went and upgraded our bikes (they were both about 8 years old). I got a mid-level Trek hybrid and dh got a nice Trek street bike. When we met my sister and her dh for a bike ride, she got excited and asked how much--I lied, $400 and it was buy one get one free (giggle, giggle). She believed me! She had no concept what a new bike cost!

[Trek420]

I lied, $400 and it was buy one get one free (giggle, giggle). She believed me! She had no concept what a new bike cost!

Hee hee, just wait till she goes to the LBS and asks where their BOGO sale bikes are. :D :p

And a hearty welcome to TE:)

[Trek420]

What do you say when a coworker (let's say your boss) is looking for a bike for their DW. Shocked at the prices at a LBS of $500 or so and knowing that you have more than one bike asks "would you sell your extra bike?"

"uh, no" :rolleyes:

But then I did go ahead and give him a lot of helpful info how to pick a bike.

[NbyNW]

:D everybody has a learning curve.

[malkin]

Extra bikes?

Pshaw!

[Trek420]

He'll learn :p

[zoom-zoom]

If a certain someone (a non-cyclist who just wants to know how much money we spend) asks how much my Sidi's cost, I'm ready to say "Much less than just 1 payment on your new luxury SUV." :D

Funny thing with the Sidis...our LBS owner is also a friend. DH has no qualms about dropping $$ at his store (any other store, heh...boy does his Dutch blood show *snort*). So when we ordered my bike I was fit for shoes. LBS owner highly recommended Sidis. I looked at the price tag and about fainted. Mike (shop owner) very wisely said "you don't think twice about dropping $100 every few months for running shoes, right? These cycling shoes will last you for years."

Cycling seems like such a $$ sport up-front, even with a basic bike (shoes, pedals, shorts, helmet, gloves, jerseys, tools, tubes, etc.). But long-term I would estimate that it's not much more expensive than running, and I point this out to people. It's definitely cheaper than gym membership.

Several of my runner friends who had initially been startled by the price of my bike (relatively lower-end Cannondale) have ended up buying bikes of their own after seeing how much fun I am having, plus they see the value in cross-training.

I've used the "cheaper than gym membership" comment to others who have asked (I've done this with running, too, when non-runners have scoffed at the thought of paying more than $40 on athletic shoes and more than once every couple of years). I think putting cycling into perspective without using #s can give people a way of considering the purpose of cycling without getting hung-up on $s.

[Bike Chick]

Some of DH's coworkers asked one day how much his bike(s) cost and nearly had a heart attack when he told them the very honest truth. He then pointed out how much cheaper a bicycle is than their bass boats, graphite rods, pickup trucks or harleys and how much healthier it is for you. (You can easily get $30 to $40 grand tied up in a bass boat) They saw his point. Most hobbys are expensive---golf, boating, bass fishing, motorcycle riding, sewing---you just have to decide what you want to do.

[Lesley_x]

Nobody has asked. My measly $570 hybrid bike doesn't exactly catch attention :p

I am shocked at how much some of you guys have spent. I would love to spend that much but my other half would freak. I've been drooling over an Eddy Merckx that would come in at $1500 then thinking... nahhhh he'd kill me :D He has told me he wants me to buy one at around half that. Who thinks he's being unreasonable :D

[Cataboo]

What do you say when a coworker (let's say your boss) is looking for a bike for their DW. Shocked at the prices at a LBS of $500 or so and knowing that you have more than one bike asks "would you sell your extra bike?"

"uh, no" :rolleyes:

But then I did go ahead and give him a lot of helpful info how to pick a bike.

Heh. Our "extra bike" is off with one of the bf's co-workers for that reason - he wanted to do a bike race or triathalon or something for cancer 'cause his best friend was dying of it or something. So what initially started as us trying to help him find a good used bike (with him continuously getting sticker shock and cold feet and not buying) has somehow evolved into an indefinite loan of the spare bike - which while a good bike, is aluminum, slightly too big for me, slightly too small for the bf - but a good light, solid components road bike that has stayed around 'cause we got a great price for it and it does in a pinch if either of us needs to ride and has an issue with our other bike...

So he borrowed this bike to train while looking for a bike to buy. that was about 5 months ago, so I think I need to nag the bf to nag the coworker to give the bike back, 'cause that's a bit much.


Mostly I've bought my bikes used at great prices which still probably seem a bit much to spend on a bike to normal people, but I usually say "this is what this bike is worth, this is how much I spent on it" if it's someone that I think actually warrants an answer on how much my bike costs.

[Trek420]

Nobody has asked. My measly $570 hybrid bike doesn't exactly catch attention :p

They've asked me! My commuter cost in the range of $375-420. For my 50th b'day my Mom and sister (thanks, Duck on Wheels) gave me new wheels. Actually a gc to my LBS with which I got new wheels. The wheels are so nice she deserved a new paint job. The bike, not my sister. ;)

I've been chased down by riders and stopped to ask "Hey! Where can I get a cool bike with no decals?"

They might be wondering if I stole it and painted over the decals. But wouldn't I have done the traditional uglification wrapping the frame with electrical tape? :rolleyes: ;)

I said "ride your bike till it needs new paint and go to my LBS, get it powdercoated".

Recently Knott installed a rear rack with folding Wald basket for the anniversary of the day she proposed. :cool: Now the bike works so well for errands or a quick run to the store and looks great.

I love this old, heavy, cheap bike as much, maybe more than the molto expensive road bike. This may have been what my boss thought of as my "extra bike".

No way would I sell it.

In fact I think she deserves new bar grips. The ones she has are over 10 years old. They're still comfy but I saw yellow grips with blue stars at the shop that would just complete the look. :cool:

[OakLeaf]

Cycling seems like such a $$ sport up-front, even with a basic bike (shoes, pedals, shorts, helmet, gloves, jerseys, tools, tubes, etc.). But long-term I would estimate that it's not much more expensive than running, and I point this out to people. It's definitely cheaper than gym membership.

If you replace stuff on a basic schedule... and let's say an average person rides 2-1/2 times as fast as they run, so we're comparing hours of activity and not miles...

Say one $100 pair of running shoes every 600 miles, and, oh, I don't know, the only running shorts that have ever worn out on me are ones where the elastic has got brittle after YEARS of washing.

Versus (and these are mid-level specs, I know a lot of people spend a whole lot more on their short-term wear items) one $50 chain every 2500 miles, one $80 cassette every 3000 miles, one $60 rear tire every 2500 miles, one $60 front tire every 4000 miles, one $40 cable and housing set every 4000 miles.


So, say 1500 miles on the bici takes you as many hours as 600 miles running, it's still $143.50 for wear items on the bike vs. whatever a pair of shoes costs you. About the same, or a little steeper, excluding the up-front investment, and assuming you do the basic labor yourself.


There are a number of us here who run and ride bicis and ride motorcycles and belong to gyms and, and, and. :rolleyes: It's all how much disposable income you have and how you want to spend it. I think that people's reaction has more to do with the general contempt for cycling than with anything else.

[Bike Chick]

It's no one's business really. I figure I'm going around once in this lifetime and I will spend what I want and what I can afford. I ride my bike almost as often as I drive my car in a week. The bike costs a lot less than my car and I enjoy it a whole lot more. If the bike was sitting in the garage gathering dust and never ridden, that would be different but it's not. It's an emotional attachment with the bike--I really don't know how to describe it.

Catriona, I think 5 months is a bit much too............and who says we aren't the "normal" people and everyone else has a wharped sense of a bicycle's worth????

[Cataboo]

Yeah, 5 months is a bit much for a coworker who wasn't really a friend.


As for bike worth - I think the "sport" has become entirely too yuppified. Go through craigslist or whatever where old mixtes sell for $200, or bikes that were low end in 1980 and sold for $150 now sell for $250.

There's no reason a wicking jersey should cost $60-120... Or bike shorts should cost $250... the only reason is that people are willing to pay.

I was driving the other day with a fiberglass kayak on my car and 4 titanium bikes on my bike rack and started calculating what the retail value of all the stuff was on my car vs. the price of the car.

[zoom-zoom]

Say one $100 pair of running shoes every 600 miles, and, oh, I don't know, the only running shorts that have ever worn out on me are ones where the elastic has got brittle after YEARS of washing.

600 miles on a pair of shoes...that's generous. Most folks replace every 300-500 miles (I'm on the low end, since I wear lightweight performance trainers). So I think cycling could end up cheaper. :D

I have to wear a better/$$er bra for running than I do for biking, too.

[Owlie]

Hee, no one cares. My bottom-end road bike attracts no attention.

[HipGnosis6]

When asked just the other day, I told my co-worker that my bike had paid for itself just in the cost of bus passes I did not buy during the year I bike commuted. I let her do the math - around here a bus pass is about $70/month, so a year's worth is just over $800. (That's actually more than I paid, but I didn't see fit to mention that.) She looked totally shocked, until I reminded her that she had just proudly announced that she had bought a designer handbag on sale for $400! So what's a better use of the money.... a purse that will be out of fashion in six months, or a bike that I've gotten a thousand commuter miles on and years of use out of?

I also have gotten "you paid that much for a TOY?" to which I respond, "It's no more a toy to me than your car is to you."

[abejita]

I hate that question so much! People ask how much my camera stuff costs, how much my dog costs, how much was my bike. And a lot of times, it is really creepy people asking...except about the dog...the creepy people don't come around him, LOL!

[Trek420]

.... just "car light" ;) But I enjoy my low-milage discount on insurance. Tempting though. If I gave up my car this is a lot of bikes ;)

http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/SavingandDebt/SaveonaCar/is-the-car-free-life-for-you.aspx

[MomOnBike]

Come to think of it, I've also told people that my bike costs considerably less than the second car my family would need to buy, fuel, maintain, and insure if I didn't ride everywhere.

We aren't car-free and some would question if we're car-lite, but we most assuredly are not car-bound.

[Crankin]

I agree with Oak. If I was going broke, spending on cycling, then it wouldn't be right. I can afford it and I don't really care what anyone thinks. Most hobbies are expensive and not all of them keep you healthy, like cycling does.
No one has ever asked me how much my bike cost. People have asked me how much it costs to get an entry level road or hybrid. They have usually been at the point where they realize the K Mart special bike they have is not really going to do it for them and so $7-800.00 seems worth it. My one friend who started riding about 2 years ago, bought a Specialized Vita Sport, with little complaining. She fussed about the cost of shorts, jerseys, etc., but I told her where to get them cheaper, and now she has a few nice ones. She said she would "never" go clipless, but after liking the strap things that act just like clipless (can't think of the name) she bought the pedals and shoes.
I did give up the health club, after belonging to one since I was around 26, but I have everything I need at home or outdoors. If I join another one, it will be a cheaper one.

[redrhodie]

How's this for an answer--less than a pack of cigarettes a day for 1 year. That should shut a lot of people up.

[Aggie_Ama]

I am of the "why are you asking" camp. Some people have this attitude of talking about how much they make, how much they spend and like to size up how much you spend. I was raised in the way that asking those questions is rude. Now a friend of mine recently got interested in riding because her boyfriend races with DH. She asked how much my mountain bike was an I was very comfortable telling her how much I paid, how much a comparable one costs, even how much my pedals were. I knew why she needed to know. I also loaned her my extra bike for a month so she could decide if she liked riding before rushing into a purchase. But most casual friends I wouldn't loan one of my bikes to for more than a ride. I have only known her since April.

Other than maintenance cycling is as free as I want and I like that. I could ride to at least two mountain bike trails and do countless routes in all directions from my house. I am fortunate that my riding style usually means I get way longer out of my chain usually around 4,000 miles (shop says I must pedal light), cassette and even tires. In fact I am more likely to cut a tire than wear it out. On the flip side DH has to replace his bar tape 2x a year, chain at 2k, tires sooner than me, grips on his mountain bike 2x a year. Already has had to have a shock rebuilt on his 2 year old mountain bike, the list goes on. So no you can't ride forever on stock parts but getting in good with your LBS can soften the blow. I am fiercely loyal to mine and it has helped me before.

Oh and my Sidis? I balked at the price but I have had them since 2007 and they still perform great. I know plenty of people who need the latest and greatest cycling stuff, getting new shoes, helmets and even bikes yearly which doesn't appeal to me. But if that is how they like to spend their cash I am happy for them.

[Ann G]

There is really a price difference between basic and quality equipment in any s sport or hobby - cycling, photography, audio equipment, golf, boating, etc. Most people are willing to spend more on a something that is important to them, and are willing to settle for something basic that gets the job done when it's not a priority. I don't have an expensive camera, but I'm satisfied with the photos I take. When other people are surprised at what a cycling enthusiast spends on a good bike, they are experiencing the difference between something for an occasional user versus an enthusiast. I would guess that almost everyone who asks the question has an area where they have spent money on products that they don't sell at WalMart.

[BluOrchid2]

I am really happy to have found this thread. I was having a hard time wrapping my head around how much a new road bike might cost, but with all the justifications and comparisons made in this thread, I am having an easier time with it. :D

[Trek420]

We're happy to enable you :D :rolleyes:

[malkin]

Whenever anyone asks about the tandem Brewer says "We don't have a boat."

[beccaB]

I just got a new bike and was having feelings of guilt until the first time I rode it. It was more that I thought I'd ever spend, I'll say that much, and some non bicycling people would think I was crazy.

[ACG]

When I'm asked about the cost of my bike I am honest. If they are shocked, well then they are shocked.

My sister spend $3000 on her cat, he was in a coma in an oxegyn tent.

My other sister had to go out and buy her kids and husband the new apple Iphone when it came out

I know people like a lot of you do who spend 4 figures on TV's

I've had a few women comment that they'd rather spend that kind of money on a designer purse

My bike shoes cost more than any other shoes I own. My first set of shoes lasted me 5 years, well worth the expense.

My shorts and jerseys cost more than my regular clothes.


I think it is all relative, you spend money on the things that are important to you.

[marni]

I usually reply to questions like that by saying "whyever would you ask that?" If they are truley interested then I can give them the appropriate information, and if they are being rude or nosey then they usually have the sense to back off. I guess mine doesn't look all that expensive as I have only been asked a couple of times.


marni

[moderncyclista]

You spend on it, what it is worth to you. If you don't think it's worth spending a lot, you don't. If you do, you do. :D

:) I think certain things are worth paying quality for and others, well you don't have to. My clothes don't need to be expensive, nor do my shoes. I don't know, it's all relative.

[Biciclista]

It depends. I've lied to some and told the truth to others. No one knows how much my custom bike cost... especially after they had to repaint and rechrome it.
But people swarm me when I am on my Dahon, and I try to give them an honest answer because I can see they really are interested.

[tulip]

I get the question about my Bike Friday because people are genuinely interested. So I tell them that there are different models at different prices. Then I give them the website. If I tell them how much mine cost, the focus shifts to the price and the fact that I paid it (OMG, you paid that much for a bike??!!), not the bike. I want the focus to be on the bike--if they are really interested, they can determine what model they can afford. It has nothing to do with my bike at that point.